Hey everyone, my name is Tonya Holladay, and I am currently in the Masters of Educational Technology program here at USC Columbia. With this degree, I am hoping to be armed with the knowledge and resources that will enable me to teach digital learning tools, software and hardware, in a wide variety of academic environments. I am also interested in the implementation of digital interfaces such as augmented and virtual realities in the future classroom.I have a Bachelor in Arts as a double major in History and Media Arts. As an undergrad, I jumped from major to major until I finally found the right two for me. I originally began as a Computer Science Engineering major, but quickly found I was too restricted from the arts that I also love so much. I do well with computers, software and hardware, and have my own system that I built. USC's Media Arts program provided me growth with digital illustrations, animations, videography, and photography, while the History program taught me academic discipline, research techniques, and academic writing.
I am currently the Technology Lounge Manager at the Thomas Cooper Library on the USC Columbia campus. This position includes the supervision and training of, right now, thirteen student workers. We provide the service and support of various software, from creative design software like the Adobe creative suite, Audacity, and Gimp to engineering programs like SPSS and SAS. It is necessary for me to provide training on this software for my students to enable them to provide the most effective support. I am also responsible for keeping the computers up-to-date, reimaging, software evaluation, and troubleshooting software issues. I have to troubleshoot hardware issues and be able to replace and repair hardware components, and I also work as Desktop Support for staff and faculty that are employed at the Library. Here, education and technology are seamlessly woven together, and I am always looking for ways to improve the Technology Lounge as a learning environment.
On a more personal note, I was a military wife for ten years, moving from South Carolina, where I am originally from, to places like North Dakota, Florida, and Texas. I am currently a single mom of a wonderful 12 year old son. It is my son I have to thank for where I am today. His first day of kindergarten was the day I made the decision to pursue my college degree and be a better role model for him.
I look forward to meeting you all, especially since I believe we'll be sharing many of the same classes.